What does the expression a flash in the pan mean?
Definition of flash in the pan 1 : a sudden spasmodic effort that accomplishes nothing. 2 : one that appears promising but turns out to be disappointing or worthless.
Which other is called flash in the pan?
What is another word for flash in the pan?
| fleeting | momentary |
|---|---|
| flash | fugitive |
| vanishing | swift |
| volatile | flying |
| rapid | rushed |
How do you use a flash in the pan in a sentence?
Example Sentences
- His initial good performances were a mere flash in the pan.
- The success of his second book turned out to be a flash in the pan.
- This new wave of entrepreneurship is not just a flash in the pan.
- He showed great promise during his first few games, but it turned out to be a flash in the pan.
Is a gold tooth a flash in the pan?
Nevertheless, gold prospecting isn’t the origin of ‘a flash in the pan’. The phrase did have a literal meaning, that is, it derives from a real flash in a real pan, but not a prospector’s pan. Flintlock muskets used to have small pans to hold charges of gunpowder.
What does take a foothold mean?
a place or support for the feet; a place where a person may stand or walk securely. a secure position, especially a firm basis for further progress or development: They gained a foothold in the New York market before beginning their national campaign.
Where did the expression up to snuff originate?
‘Up to snuff’ originated in the early 19th century. In 1811, the English playwright John Poole wrote Hamlet Travestie, a parody of Shakespeare, in the style of Doctor Johnson and George Steevens, which included the expression. “He is up to snuff, that is, he is the knowing one.”
How do you use on the spur of the moment in a sentence?
On the spur of the moment he picked up the phone and dialed Cece Baldwin, a number he now had committed to memory from the many unsuccessful times he’d made the call. On the spur of the moment he telephoned her. We all do something on the spur of the moment once in awhile.
What does flash as a rat with a gold tooth mean?
Someone who’s as flash as a rat with a gold tooth tries hard to impress people by their appearance or bahaviour.
What does it mean to take a pinch?
to get arrested by the police…. a very old term. I was pinched by the cops.
What does to be in the pink mean?
the peak of health
In the pink is an informal expression meaning the peak of health or an optimal state. More generally, it is often used to convey the idea that someone or something is in the best of health or condition.
What is the origin of the phrase flash in the Pan?
The term ‘flash in the pan’ originated sometime during the late 17th century, when flintlock muskets were used. An attempt to fire a musket that resulted in gunpowder flaring up but no ball firing was referred to as a flash in the pan.
What does the idiom Flash in the Pan mean?
A flash in the pan is something that has a strong start but quickly fails. The idiom is sometimes used in reference to people (e.g., he was just a flash in the pan) and sometimes to things or actions (his success was just a flash in the pan).
What is flash in the Pan?
The flash pan or priming pan is a small receptacle for priming powder, found next to the touch hole on muzzleloading guns.
What is the Flash in the Pan?
flash in the pan (plural flashes in the pan) (idiomatic) A transient occurrence with no long-term effect. The concept turned out to be merely a flash in the pan and is no longer used. (idiomatic) A career notable for early success not followed by significant accomplishment.